Multi-lumen epidural-spinal needle

Abstract

The needle of the present invention is a multi-lumen needle and preferably a dual-lumen epidural-spinal needle. The needle of the present invention is provided with a hub, which allows for attachment of a syringe to one or more of the lumina, or alternatively the attachment of an adapter to which a syringe can be attached. Preferably the lumina have different cross sectional areas. The smaller of the lumina should be of sufficient size to allow a spinal neelde, guide wire, or micro-catheter to be inserted through the lumen. The larger of the two lumina should preferably be of sufficient size to allow an epidural catheter, spinal needle or guide wire to be introduced. The needle of the present invention has applications of regional anesthesia, chronic and post operative pain management, cricothyroid puncture, intracerebroventricular puncture and, access and drainage of concealed fluid collections within the body.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. A multi-lumen epidural-spinal needle comprising: a first lumen having a first axis;   a second lumen having a second axis; and   a tissue piercing point through which said first lumen and said second lumen exit, forming respectively a first opening and a second opening, said first axis and said second axis being parallel, and said openings diverging near said point such that a catheter exiting said first opening will be deflected along a path nearly perpendicular to said needle while said second opening essentially aligns with said second lumen.   
     
     
       2. The multi-lumen needle of claim 1 wherein said first lumen is larger than said second lumen. 
     
     
       3. The multi-lumen needle of claim 2 further comprising a hub in which said first lumen and second lumen terminate. 
     
     
       4. The multi-lumen needle of claim 3 wherein said lumen diverge in said hub. 
     
     
       5. The multi-lumen needle of claim 4 wherein said hub has a first passage communicating with said first lumen and a second passage communicating with said second lumen, said first passage and said second passage diverging at an angle not greater than 15 degrees; and further comprising a flange attached to said hub communicating with said first passage, said flange serving as a syringe adapter and having an index mark. 
     
     
       6. The multi-lumen needle of claim 2 wherein said first lumen and said second lumen are in an over under relationship and are connected by welding. 
     
     
       7. The multi-lumen needle of claim 6 wherein each of said lumen are between 14 and 32 gauge. 
     
     
       8. The multi-lumen needle of claim 7 further comprising flanges attached to said hub. 
     
     
       9. The multi-lumen needle of claim 4 further comprising a stop attached to said hub to limit the depth of insertion of the multi-lumen needle thereby avoiding separation of the skin by said diverging lumina. 
     
     
       10. The multi-lumen needle of claim 8 further comprising a color coded polymeric hub assembly to identify the size and tip configuration of the needle.